Manhunt Shifts as Escaped Murderer Spotted in Pennsylvania Botanical Gardens
The manhunt for escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante has taken a new turn as state police in Chester County, Pennsylvania, announced on Tuesday that he was spotted south of the original search area. Cavalcante, who escaped from Chester County Prison last Thursday, was initially believed to be hiding within a two-mile radius of the prison in a heavily wooded area. However, a security camera at Longwood Gardens, a popular botanical gardens nearly three miles away from the prison, recorded Cavalcante on Monday evening, prompting authorities to expand the search perimeter.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens stated during a news conference on Tuesday that Cavalcante is now believed to be just south of the original search radius, leading law enforcement to shift their focus accordingly. The security camera footage showed Cavalcante walking north at 8:21 p.m. and returning south at 9:33 p.m. While his appearance remained the same, Bivens revealed that Cavalcante had obtained a backpack, a “duffel-sling type pack,” and a hooded sweatshirt.
Cavalcante, described as a 5-foot, 120-pound man with light skin, shaggy black hair, and brown eyes, was convicted of first-degree murder on August 16 for the killing of his former girlfriend, Deborah Brandão, in 2021. He was sentenced to life without parole. Since his escape, there have been five “credible sightings” of Cavalcante within the original search radius, prompting authorities to advise residents to keep their doors and cars locked due to his extreme danger.
The search effort now involves around 200 to 250 people on the ground, with officials attempting to pressure Cavalcante, who they believe is “desperate” to avoid capture. Despite the heightened alert, local communities are carrying on with their daily lives, although some precautions have been taken. Kennett Consolidated School District and Unionville-Chadds Ford School District closed their schools on Tuesday, with one of them indicating that it would review conditions and provide an update before Wednesday morning.
Longwood Gardens, which spans over 200 acres of gardens and meadows, was closed on Tuesday as police searched the property and the surrounding area. The gardens will also remain closed on Wednesday. Meanwhile, businesses in the vicinity, such as a hair salon and a restaurant, are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.
As the manhunt continues, the involvement of additional federal agencies, including the FBI and US Customs Border Patrol, has been announced. Authorities are now also looking into Cavalcante’s connections and potential inside help in his escape. The community remains concerned about the ongoing search and the safety of its residents, but many are determined not to let fear disrupt their lives.